The Matchup

The Thunderbirds (4-2) are preparing to embark on a unique home-and-home series with the U Sports number one ranked Trinity Western Spartans (6-0). A formidable defending National Champion Spartans team will be at War Memorial Gym on Friday afternoon, before the T-Birds head out to Langley for game two on Saturday.
 
Trinity Western leads the Canada West with a spotless 6-0 record, having only dropped two sets in the process. UBC has gained some momentum over the last few weeks under new Head Coach Kerry MacDonald and will look to separate themselves from a tightly bunch grouping of 4-2 teams in the division, while exacting their revenge on a Spartan team that ended the year for UBC in 2015-2016.
 
When these teams last clashed, back in February, the 'Birds took game one in five lengthy sets before falling in three straight and extinguishing their playoff hopes on the final night of the regular season.
 

Last Action

UBC picked up a clean sweep (3-2, 3-1) in Kamloops last weekend where they mowed down the TRU WolfPack on a stellar performance by setter Byron Keturakis, who recorded 10 digs and 5 blocks to go with a cool 54 assists.


 
It was business as usual for the reigning CIS champions, as Trinity Western shutout MacEwan 3-0, 3-0 at home a week ago. The Spartans have yet to record a loss in their last thirteen games – including playoffs.
 

By the Numbers

108 – the league-high number of Thunderbird block assists.


 
4.30 – Ryan Sclater's kills per game average, good for third overall in U Sports on an offensively gifted Spartans team.
 

Players To Watch

Irvan Brar – (#4, Outside Hitter) – the dynamic hitter provides spark to the Thunderbird's attack and a strong veteran presence on court. Brar led the team with seventeen kills and added 9 digs in the five-set win over TRU.  


 
Tyson Smith – (#16, Libero) – the T-Bird Libero will be relied upon to come up with some cucial digs, as the 'Birds take on the league aces leader and the Spartan crew that had earned the most points per game.
 
 

Coach's Take

"We're very excited for the weekend series ahead," says UBC Head Coach Kerry MacDonald. "Trinity is strong team, currently ranked number one in Canada, so it should make for some great games. We've been looking to get better each weekend and this is weekend is no different. So far that approach has worked well for us."